Sean Wheeler scoops Outstanding Contribution award at Hotel Cateys 2019
Sean Wheeler, the go-to individual in the hotel industry for advice on best people practice, was honoured this evening with the Outstanding Contribution award at the Hotel Cateys 2019.
The recently retired director of people development for Kimpton UK & Regent Hotels at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) received a standing ovation from 750 guests at the presentation dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London for his widespread contribution to the sector.
During a 40-year career, Wheeler has played a major role in making some of the UK's finest hospitality businesses fantastic places to work, including Mitchells & Butlers, Malmaison, Hotel du Vin, Dorchester Collection and Principal Hotels.
Now officially retired – although consultancy work beckons – he continues to be a positive advocate for the industry through his chairmanship of People 1st College Accreditation panel, board duties for Hospitality Action and as founder of The Caterer's Acorn Scholarship.
Earlier this week he played an integral role in drawing up Our Hospitality Commitment, a new employer voluntary code of conduct to improve the perception of the sector by engaging businesses within the industry to become an employer of choice. The code will highlight companies which will offer good quality training, a work-life balance and a respectful working environment.
Wheeler was one of 20 winners at the glittering awards ceremony which saw Red Carnation Hotels Collection carry off two accolades; the Montague on the Gardens, London, picked up the Conference and Banqueting Team of the Year and Tzveta Ivanova, from the Milestone Hotel & Residences, was named Housekeeper of the Year.
Comedian Tom Allen was the compere for the evening and Hospitality Action benefited from the evening's fundraising collection.
2019 Hotel Catey winners
Front of House Manager of the Year - Sponsored by Nordaq
Alex Wilson, Brown's hotel, London
Front of House Team of the Year - Sponsored by Access
Bankside hotel, London
Conference and Banqueting Team of the Year - Sponsored by Syft
The Montague on the Gardens, London
Best Use of Technology Award – Sponsored by Hoist
Exclusive Collection
Housekeeper of the Year - Sponsored by P&G Professional
Tzevta Ivanova, the Milestone Hotel & Residences
Sustainable Hotel of the Year - Sponsored by Sky
The Langham London
Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year - Sponsored by Tchibo Coffee International
Devid Isabella, the Goring, London
Hotel Restaurant Team of the Year - Sponsored by CGA
Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae, Girvan
Food and Beverage Manager of the Year - Sponsored by Britvic
Alex Cooper, Haymarket hotel, London
Spa Professional of the Year - Sponsored by Christie & Co
Sally Pedder, the Dorchester, London
Revenue Manager Award - Sponsored by Talent Hive
Karen Tyson, Rudding Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
HR Manager of the Year - Sponsored by Caterer.com
Anita Bower, Iconic Luxury Hotels
HR Team of the Year - Sponsored by Davidson Asset Management
Aviator by Tag, Farnborough, Hampshire
Concierge Award - Sponsored by Joseph Alan London
Alan Noone, the Berkeley, London
Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year – Sponsored by Umbrella Training
Calum Franklin, Holborn Dining Room, Rosewood London
Hotel Chef of the Year (more than 250 covers) - Sponsored by Bidfood
Simon Attridge, Gleneagles, Auchterarder, Perthshire
Hotel Chef of the Year (fewer than 250 covers) - Sponsored by Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division
Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Northcote, Langho, Lancashire
Extra Mile Award - Sponsored by Bidfood
Aaron Patterson, Hambleton Hall, Oakham, Rutland
Hotelier of the Year - Sponsored by Casna Group
Sally Beck, Royal Lancaster London
Outstanding Contribution - Sponsored Taylors of Harrogate Coffee Bags
Sean Wheeler, hospitality consultant
